Cost-effectiveness of volar locking plate versus percutaneous fixation for distal radial fractures

This study compares the cost-effectiveness of treating dorsally displaced distal radial fractures with a volar locking plate and percutaneous fixation. It was performed from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS) using data from a single-centre randomised controlled trial. In total 130 patients (18 to 73 years of age) with a dorsally displaced distal radial fracture were randomised to treatment with either a volar locking plate (n = 66) or percutaneous fixation (n = 64). The methodology was according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for technology appraisals.. There were no significant differences in quality of life scores between groups at any time point in the study. Both groups returned to baseline one year post-operatively. NHS costs for the plate group were significantly higher (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 497 to 930). For an additional 713 pound, fixation with a volar locking plate offered 0.0178 additional quality-adjusted life years in the year after surgery. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for plate fixation relative to percutaneous fixation at list price was 40 pound 068. When adjusting the prices of the implants for a 20% hospital discount, the ICER was 31 pound 898. Patients who underwent plate fixation did not return to work earlier. We found no evidence to support the cost-effectiveness, from the perspective of the NHS, of fixation using a volar locking plate over percutaneous fixation for the operative treatment of a dorsally displaced radial fracture.